Over the last few years, the demand for new “experiences” tourism options across Rajasthan has grown. Private Stakeholders are offering exciting and innovative experiential tourism products.

What is Experiential Tourism

Experiential Travel is primarily based on various kinds of experiences like culture, heritage, living, food and nature. Most mature and new generation travellers are embracing this new trend. The desired outcome is to achieve a complete participatory experience and provides both knowledge and authentic experience.

The need for Government support in terms of marketing and promotion as well as ensuring regulations for safety has led the Department of Tourism to set out guidelines for Experiential Tourism Agencies across Rajasthan. The objective of recognition is to promote operators engaged in promotion and development of experiential tourism in Rajasthan.

Eligibility Conditions and Procedure

1. Recognition shall be given to-
   1. Agencies who are dealing in experiential tourism activities such as adventure, farm/agriculture, cultural, gastronomy, spiritual, wellness, rural and eco-tourism.
   2. Agencies who have been engaged in the above mentioned experiential activities business for a minimum of one year prior to the date of application – provided they have their own management staff.
2. Area of operation will be Rajasthan state – only for area specified and applied.
3. Only for Agencies recognized as per law.
4. Recognition for 3 years initially with renewals in packets of 3 years.
5. Application fee: Rs. 5,000/- non-refundable. Renewal Fee: Rs. 3,000/-
6. Operators can provide commercial vehicles only.
7. Drivers to be dressed properly and should have good communication skills.
8. Operator shall be responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of the locations as well for the security and safety of the guests.
9. Operators can employ only such guides as are approved by the Ministry of Tourism or Department of Tourism.

Incentives for Startups

The Rajasthan Tourism Portal will list an offering of all such activities by startups.

Startups will also be given free participation in the Domestic Travel Marts for three years (maximum Three places per year) from the date of registration by the Department.

Reporting and Safety Standards

1. Annual Reporting of Calendar of activities to be provided.
2. Annual Reporting of Foreign and Domestic Tourists entertained.
3. Operators to tie-up with nearby Hospitals and Doctor-on-Call facility.

Applications to be made to Commissioner / Director – Department of Tourism, Rajasthan. Department shall have the powers to withdraw the recognition anytime.

Source: Department of Tourism Circular no. 9837 dated Septembner 25, 2021